How to get rid of caterpillars in the garden: safe ways

Although the caterpillars eventually turn into beautiful butterflies, by that time they can cause serious damage to your garden and vegetable garden. These creatures feed on leaves and can eat a large amount of green mass, even causing the vegetable garden to die.

Fortunately, to get rid of the caterpillar, you do not have to resort to treating plants with aggressive chemicals. OBOZ.UA has collected several recipes for products made from affordable and safe ingredients that will protect your plantings.

Aromatic herbs

The caterpillar does not like plants that have a pronounced aroma. These include mint, lavender, rosemary, etc. Therefore, ask about the rules of crop neighborhood and, where possible, plant such a beautiful and fragrant protective barrier. Spraying with a suitable essential oil can work just as well.

Pepper and garlic spraying

Another class of natural substances that repels caterpillars is the burning components of pepper and garlic. Make a water infusion of these products and spray the problem area with it. But be careful, the corresponding substances can leave burns on the leaves, so dilute the infusion well.

Natural soap

Usually, garden pests do not like contact with soap, so soap spraying can be very effective in controlling them. To make the product, choose a natural product - laundry soap or Castile soap. Dissolve it in water and apply it to the leaves by spraying.

Citrus fruits

You can use citrus fruits in two ways to protect your garden. For example, simply scatter the peels of oranges, lemons, or other fruits between the plants. Or prepare a spray with any citrus essential oil.

Protective wraps

A translucent fabric or fine mesh can protect your garden from caterpillars. But pay attention to how much shade it provides. The cover should not block the sun from the vegetables.

Spraying with rhubarb

Treatment with rhubarb broth also protects against caterpillars very well. Chop the stems of the plant, boil enough water so that 1 part of the pulp is 3 parts of liquid, add rhubarb to the boiling water, and mix well. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Then cool the broth, strain and dilute it with clean water in a ratio of 1:3. For effectiveness, you can add 1 teaspoon of soap per liter of product. Sprinkle the garden with this mixture.

Attracting birds

The caterpillar is a desirable prey for birds. Help them find it by placing feeders near the site. But do not forget to cover the future harvest with a net beforehand, because along with pests, birds are not averse to eating the flesh of the fruit.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.